Oregon House endorses 'Code of the West' after debate, disagreement

SALEM -- The Oregon House adopted the Code of the West as a standard for the Legislature and the state to live by Monday. But, as often happens when values and principles are debated in Salem, there was heartfelt disagreement.

Rep. Tim Freeman, a Republican from Roseburg and resolution sponsor, said he's been asked why he's wasting time on something like this.

Because opinion polls indicate people don't think much of their legislature, he said. "I know you all to be good, honest, hard-working people. Even though I may differ on any given piece of legislation, I don't ever question why people are here. So this is an attempt to shine a positive light on you and the good people you serve."

Several House members didn't appreciate the gesture.

One suggested that the Senate amend the bill to include lessons from the book: "All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten."

Rep. Sara Gelser, a Democrat from Corvallis, recognized that House resolutions are symbolic.

"So it doesn't really matter how you vote on them," she said. "But, with this bill, the symbolism matters absolutely."

Gelser noted that the bill refers to pioneers, ranchers, cowboys and peace officers.

"What about Native Americans?" she asked. "What about those who were here first?"

There were other times in Wild West history that Oregon shouldn't celebrate either, Gelser said.

"Confronted with the 15th Amendment, giving blacks the right to vote, both California and Oregon balked," she said. "What about that was tough but fair?" referring to No. 5 in the Code.

In fact, Matthews said, the political campaigns begin as soon as the legislative sessions end and "there's a knife in your back."

"I don't need a moniker to tell me to have integrity," he said. "You lead by example. Period."

Freeman stood at his desk throughout the debate. When it came time for him to close, he read from the resolution and the principles it challenges Oregonians to aspire to: "strength, courage, self-sufficiency, compassion, hard work, independence and a commitment to the highest moral character."

"I believe this body to have these characteristics," Freeman said. "And I will continue to think that no matter how this vote goes."

He won, 44 to 14, with one Republican and 13 Democrats voting no. The resolution now moves to the Senate.